Change display resolution then open...?

Question

Is it possible to get automator to change the resolution of my display then open a certain program?
Basically I have a flight sim that is only really any good in crappy 1024 x 768 but I use my cinema display at 1680 x 1050 for everything else. Can I get create a little app to first set the lower res then open the program?

Answer 1

Ok stuart-
Couple of possibilities for you here. The easiest is to just put you displays on the menu bar for one click access as referenced here. Also, the key command option+one of the brightness controls will take you directly to the monitor control panel. Finally, if you are rather bent on using an automated function, I would reccomend using applescript to solve your issue. Here's the applescript for your request:
First download cscreen. Move it from wherever it downloads to to Macintosh HD-->Users-->Shared. Now go to Applications-->Utilities-->Terminal. Type in:
sudo cp /users/shared/cscreen /usr/bin
It will ask for the administrator password. After you type it in, the beginning prompt will appear again. You are then done with terminal. You can close this application. Now open up script editor. Put this in:
do shell script "usr/bin/cscreen -x 1024 -y 768"
delay 1
tell application "Your application"
activate
end tell
Then save the script as an application and try it out. If you want a script to reverse the effects after you have closed the game, just type:
do shell script "usr/bin/cscreen -x 1680 -y 1050"
Hope this helps you out. I certainly don't mind helping you out, but please try and search before you post. This question has been answered a few times in all these ways such as here, here, and here. Good Luck!
Justin S.